Known for their good time vibe, Malia holidays are about more than just dancing the night away (although there’s plenty of that too). Once home to the Minoan civilisation but still offering plenty of Cretan character, the town mixes old with new. Relax on the golden sandy beaches, get the blood pumping with some water sports or head to the hills on an off road adventure before the sun sets and the evening fun begins.

27 °C

The climate in Malia is warm, mild and dry in the summer, with average temperatures around 27˚C during the months of June, July and August. There’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year with wetter but still mild winters.

3 hours

Crete’s major international airport is located just outside the capital Heraklion, just under half an hour by car from Malia.

Book a cheap holiday to Malia with Airtours and you’ll be visiting a vibrant and dynamic destination, and one with thousands of years of history. Plus, there’s a big selection of beaches, nightlife and stunning scenery.

Discover the ancient Cretan culture and dance yourself silly at a Full Moon party on the same day. These are just two of the many different activities you can try on holidays in Malia, a place where anything can happen. From relaxing on the beach with a good book to gliding high above the water on a paraglider, variety really is the spice of life on a Malia getaway.

Just to the east of the town is the ancient Palace of Malia, built way back around 1900BC. It’s one of the largest Minoan palaces on Crete and gives you a real insight into what life here must’ve been like for historic royalty. A visit to this peaceful place is a real contrast to the bustling, modern Malia and gives your holiday an extra dimension.

If you’re a sporty type, you can get your thrills trying out a choice of water sports, ranging from easy to exhilarating. Glide across the water windsurfing, bounce your way across on a banana boat or soar up above the sea on a paraglider. There are plenty of options for living it up in Malia, and prices for activities are usually pretty reasonable.

Malia might be famous for its nightlife and Cretan culture but the beach has always been the real star. With 6km of sand gently sloping down to the water, there’s plenty of room for everyone even during high season. Top up your tan on the sand or rent a lounger and umbrella and lose yourself in a page turner.

Malia is best for

History and culture: Located on Crete’s historic north coast, Malia has been home to civilisations dating back thousands of years. There’s plenty of evidence of the town’s former life scattered along the coastline.

Exploring the island: Just half an hour from the airport and capital, and close to lots of historic resorts and fishing towns, Malia is a great base from which to explore Crete in all its glory.

Nights out: Malia has become renowned for its huge choice of night time fun, ranging from chic cocktail bars to big name nightclubs. Whatever you’re into you can find it on the strip

Fast Facts

Language: Greek is the official language in Malia but English is also widely spoken.

Currency: Euros (€) are used all over Greece.

Local time: The island of Crete is two hours ahead of GMT in the UK.

Fly to: Heraklion International Airport is a short transfer or car journey along the north coast, at just under half an hour. You can also fly to Chania, around two hours’ drive.

Weather and climate

Temperature: Warm and dry, especially in the summer months when you can expect average temperatures in the high 20s and beyond.

Best time to visit Malia: Enjoy All Inclusive holiday deals to Malia with Airtours from the spring onwards as the warm and dry season starts in April, with average temperatures reaching the 20s. The hottest months are between July and September, which coincides with high season when you can expect the mercury to be hitting the mid 30s on the hottest days. May to June and September to October are a little cooler, still with plenty of sunshine, and can be a little quieter if that’s your thing.

Getting around

By taxi: Malia is small enough to walk around easily but if you do need to get a cab there are plenty of them about. They’re also safe, reliable and usually affordable so it’s a good way to get about.

By hire car: There are a number of places to hire cars on Crete, with the airports your best bet. Road surfaces are good and it’s a great way of exploring the island and reaching the more secluded spots.

By bus: There’s a good network of bus routes connecting all the major towns and resorts with the airport at Heraklion. They’re usually air conditioned too, which is excellent news when it’s scorching outside.

By boat: You can catch a boat to a few other islands, including Rhodes, from the ferry port at Heraklion. There are also some services to other destinations on the island and it’s a fun way to see more of Crete.

Events

For dancers: Malia’s legendary clubs host big nights throughout the season and there are plenty of pool parties during the day. Get colourful at the Powder Party or get down at a Full Moon extravaganza.

For boat tours: Head out on the Aegean and take a tour of the beautiful coastline on a boat tour. Stop at little fishing villages for a delicious lunch and cool off with a dip in a secluded cove.

For 4x4 adventurers: Enjoy a day of fun when you take to the trail in a 4x4. Explore the mountains, discover cave networks and get a closer look at local island life alongside a professional driver.

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